Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

November Newsletter

Seeking Art Created by Vermonters Living with Dementia

The Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is curating an art show featuring the works of people who have dementia. This show will debut in the Vermont Statehouse Cafeteria in Montpelier for the month of April 2025. All mediums are welcome but, the art must be hangable! If possible, we would like to include a short biography or story of the artist with their piece of art.

If you have a piece of art for consideration, please email or call Meg (mmpolyte@alz.org or 802-440-1881) with the following information.

1. Name of Artist and town of residence
2. Brief description of the piece. Please attach a photo of the piece if possible.
3. Dimensions of the piece

We will be accepting art for consideration through December 31, 2024.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

November is a time to show support for Vermont's vital family caregivers. Join us in acknowledging and honoring families, friends and neighbors who are often caregiving "around the clock". In Vermont 19,000 caregivers provide 28 million hours of unpaid care to loved ones with dementia each year. That’s an estimated value of nearly $615 million. The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was created by the RAISE Family Caregiving Act to support family caregivers of all ages, from youth to grandparents, and regardless of where they live or what caregiving looks like for them and their loved ones.

Firearm Safety & Dementia

Firearm safety can be a tough topic, especially challenging if the person has a history of gun collecting, hunting, or sport shooting. People may be sentimentally attached to their weapons or feel unsafe without them. It is better to begin this sensitive discussion early so your loved one can express their wishes and help put a plan in place. If possible, don't wait until you have to decide for them. Keep in mind your plan will need to address current safety issues plus what will be done as their dementia gets worse. 

Risk of Dementia Diagnosis After Injurious Falls in Older Adults

The researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed Medicare Fee-for-Service data from 2014 to 2015, which included 2,453,655 older adult patients who experienced a traumatic injury. The researchers found that half of the patients in the study received their injuries in a fall, and that these patients were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia within one year after their injuries. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Winter Safety for Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregivers

Winter can be a particularly difficult time for somebody living with dementia. The bad weather, shorter days, and colder temperatures can bring specific challenges that may make symptoms temporarily worse. What’s more, people with dementia aren’t always able to communicate the fact they’re cold – or they may not even recognize it themselves.

Engaging Pursuits

Brain games are a form of cognitive stimulation that have been touted as a mechanism to help slow the progression of dementia symptoms. A systematic review of 16 studies showed that brain gaming is not more effective than control interventions for improving cognitive functions among adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. However, that does not negate their value as a means of engaging individuals with a dementia diagnosis, their caregivers and families. The games can boost mood and self-esteem, offering a sense of accomplishment when a task is completed. They provide a fun, engaging way to spend time, and may reduce feelings of boredom or isolation that some dementia patients may experience.

Here are some ideas:

9 Simple Games for Dementia Patients & Their Families

1. Jigsaw puzzles – These classic games are great for hand-eye coordination. They also offer a sense of achievement upon completion.
2. Crossword puzzles – These word games can help preserve vocabulary, language skills, and memory recall.
3. Memory matching games – These games require players to match pairs, which may help maintain short-term memory and concentration.
4. Word search puzzles – Word searches support pattern recognition and vocabulary.
5. Bingo – This social game requires concentration, and provides an opportunity for social interaction.
6. Trivial Pursuit – This game can stimulate memory recall and provide a fun way to learn new information.
7. Coloring books – Coloring can be a soothing activity that promotes creativity and maintains fine motor skills.
8. Simon says – This simple game calls upon listening skills, and motor function.
9. Card games – Games like Solitaire or UNO can increase social interaction.